The Lady Roadrunners’ successful season came to a close on Friday night with a 69-54 semi-final loss to eventual State Champion Valley Christian at Gila River Casino. The Trojans came out firing on all cylinders building a 22-9 lead after the first eight minutes. The second period belonged to the Roadrunners much to the delight of the over 10,000 fans in attendance. Holbrook outscored the top seed 18-2 and built a three-point lead going into the half. Senior teammates Ariyana Pratt and Dishie Kinlicheenie hit three-point bombs, and Madison Chappell got to the bucket three times. Holbrook was unable to keep that first half momentum going and got outscored by the Trojans 24-9 in the third. In the fourth Holbrook again made a run and pulled to within five points thanks to a trio of treys by Rayanna Wauneka. Dakota Dick and Chappell both took charges early in the fourth trying to advance the team to the final game. Once Valley Christian got the lead they spread the floor and forced Holbrook to put them on the line where they closed out the Roadrunners season by making 13 of 13 free throws in the final minutes. Madison Chappell led the Lady Birds in scoring with 17 points. Ariyana Pratt finished her career with a 12-point night including three long-range bombs. Rayanna Wauneka really elevated her game late in the season and finished with 11 points. Dishie Kinlicheenie closed out her career with four points and numerous assists. Alishea Kee also played her last game, hitting a three point shot in the fourth. Tyanna Smith added two points, as did Twyla Clark and Tyler Pacheco. Shoshawnna Jack added one point off a steal for her final game as a Lady Roadrunner. Holbrook made eight three point shots and went 6 for 15 at the line. Valley Christian nailed seven three point shots and went 18 for 19 at the stripe. “While it is certainly disappointing to have our season come to an end, looking back on the season as a whole I am very proud of what these young ladies accomplished this year,” said head coach Greg Perkins. “We went 26-6 setting a new record for wins during a season. We never lost two games in a row and we have several girls who have received postseason recognition. We won three of the four tournaments we were in. Winning against big schools in Queen Creek to start the season, taking the Round Valley tournament in early December, then winning the East Region regular season and tournament in February. “We made the final four for the second time in recent years, and we have a talented group returning for next year. I would call that a successful year. However, we still have one hurdle left to clear in this program and if the girls are willing to get back into the gym and get back to work, we will have that opportunity next season. Perkins concluded, “On behalf of the Ladies in this program I would like to thank all the people who supported us this season. The show of support we had from parents, school personnel, the cheerleaders, the student council, Indian Wells elementary, Holbrook Junior High and many others was a real gift to the ladies. I would also like to thank the Police Department and the Fire Department for our escort out of town on Friday morning. This just shows how well this community supports successful programs in this school district. My coaching staff, Frank Stacey and Aaron LaRose did a great job as always in preparing the next group to come. Finally I want to publicly thank my wife Kerry for the hours and hours of support she gives to these ladies and this program. Without her none of this would happen. I am already looking forward to next season.”